By: Franklin ASARE -DONKOH
The new leadership of the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, in her office in Accra.
The meeting brought together the National Coordinator, Madam Hajia Fati Forgor, the two Deputy National Coordinators ( Madam Felicia Mekpoi Bortey and Madam Faustina Lamptey), and the MASLOC CEO to discuss the way forward for the programme.
In her remarks, the Minister emphasized the need for strong collaboration between the GSFP and the Ministry, noting that effective teamwork would help resolve challenges affecting the programme.
According to the minister GSFP remains a priority area for President John Dramani Mahama, and as such, all stakeholders must work together to enhance its quality and expand its reach, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Dr. Naa Momo Lartey also highlighted the importance of proper monitoring and supervision to ensure caterers are delivering nutritious meals to school children.
The Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, took the opportunity to brief the new coordinators on the programme’s structure, approval processes, reporting lines, and payment systems.
She reiterated that the GSFP, under the supervision of the Ministry, is committed to its core mandate of providing one hot, nutritious meal daily to pupils from Kindergarten to Primary Six.
The new National Coordinator, Hajia Fati Forgor, expressed gratitude to the Minister for the warm reception and pledged to work closely with her deputies to fulfill the vision of the President.
She acknowledged the Minister’s commitment to strengthening the programme and assured both the President and the Ministry of her dedication to addressing challenges, including fostering open dialogue with caterers for smooth operations.
The CEO of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Madam Abigail Akwambea Elorm Mensah also participated in the meeting and explored potential collaboration with GSFP to support caterers financially while they await payments.
Discussions further touched on restructuring the GSFP to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
The meeting ended on a note of renewed commitment to improving the programme’s effectiveness and ensuring that school children across the country receive quality meals.
Hajia Fati and the two deputies were later introduced to the staff of the Ghana School Feeding Programme.
